Religion prevents our children from having a rational education; religion prevents us from removing the fundamental causes of war; religion prevents us from teaching the ethic of scientific co-operation in place of the old fierce doctrines of sin and punishment. It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion.

“My own view on religion is that of Lucretius. I regard it as a disease born of fear and as a source of untold misery to the human race.”
— Bertrand Russell

Source:

Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion by Bertrand Russell